performance evaluation of the low head type pico hydro electric … · 2017. 3. 14. · 900 issn...
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900
ISSN 2286-4822
www.euacademic.org
EUROPEAN ACADEMIC RESEARCH
Vol. III, Issue 1/ April 2015
Impact Factor: 3.4546 (UIF)
DRJI Value: 5.9 (B+)
Performance Evaluation of the Low Head Type Pico
– Hydro Electric Generating System (LH-PHEGS)
ADRIANO B. SINGIAN Don Honorio Ventura Technological State University
Bacolor Pampanga, Philippines
Abstract:
Proper utilization of advance Renewable Energy Technologies
such as the modified Low Head Type Pico-hydro Electric Generating
System (LH-PHEGS) will reduce monthly electrical bill and increase
environmental awareness among the residents. The study was focused
on the testing and evaluation of the performance of the LH-PHEGS.
Methods of evaluation were based on the data stipulated on the
manual of standard and primarily directed on the efficient and
reliable supply of electrical power. It took into account the results of the
climatological, hydrological and electrical application of the system.
The study made use of the on-site evaluation method. The laboratory,
library and internet research methods are the primary techniques
used. Different parameters of computations, testing and measuring
instruments/devices were utilized to attain reliable results and a
significant conclusion. The concluded result of the study showed that
there is a viable significance in terms of social and economic impact
when using the device than the usual commercial grid supplied electric
power system. The LH-PHEGS can be utilized to address the
minimum off-grid electrical power requirements needed by our
marginalized people of rural areas who cannot afford the high cost of
commercial electricity but have vast supplies of hydro resources coming
from different tributaries.
Key words: Renewable Energy, Efficiency, Tributaries, LH-PHEGS,
Hydrological, Pampanga
Adriano B. Singian- Performance Evaluation of the Low Head Type Pico –
Hydro Electric Generating System (LH-PHEGS)
EUROPEAN ACADEMIC RESEARCH - Vol. III, Issue 1 / April 2015
901
Introduction
Our society is very much dependent on utilizing imported fossil
fueled electrical power source. This and other key findings were
discussed in the various technical conferences and symposia.
The study finds escalating demand for electricity, coupled with
frequent power outages that posed a serious threat especially to
the Philippine economy. On the other side, some local power
producers cannot strategically provides an open window for an
affordable power supply opportunity for the increasing demand
of the consuming public especially the small households living
in the remote uplands such as the Aetas who up to this time are
among the poorest member of the society.
There are two types of energy sources that can be used
to produce electric power, the conventional type which uses
coal, oil wood and the like and the non-conventional type which
uses solar, hydro-electric, wind, ocean , geothermal and others.
Conventional sources produce lots of carbon dioxide that adds
to the greenhouse effect in the atmosphere, while the non-
conventional uses renewable type of energy as they are all free,
inexhaustible and emit no carbon dioxide (biomass does, but it
prevents the production of methane which is a greenhouse gas
21 times more dangerous than CO2).
In today’s fast pace and advancement of studies on
various Renewable Energy Technology (RET) sources and
applications, the Hydro Energy sector plays a vital link towards
renewable power source production, distribution and
utilization. Hydro energy can be harnessed and used in the
form of motive energy. Since water is about 1000 times heavier
than air, even a slow flowing stream of water can yield great
amount of energy that can be used to run small hydro electric
generators like the modified Low Head type Pico Hydro Electric
Generating System. It has only four main components such as:
(a) alternator assembly with main shafting and bearings, (b)
the turbine assembly, (c) the water channel and the (d) draft
Adriano B. Singian- Performance Evaluation of the Low Head Type Pico –
Hydro Electric Generating System (LH-PHEGS)
EUROPEAN ACADEMIC RESEARCH - Vol. III, Issue 1 / April 2015
902
tube and three secondary components such as: (a) the debris
strainer assembly, (b) the power controller assembly, and (c)
the base and brackets as shown in Figure 1.
Figure 1. The modified LH-PHEG System Layout
The LH-PHEGS is a portable hydro-generator being run by the
average rapid downpour of water (±70 liters/sec.) coming down
from the two main streams at the foot of Mount Arayat in
Pampanga, Philippines. The water channel which is made up of
GI sheet gauge # 16 will serve as the water reservoir of the
system and where the Hydro-Generator assy. is mounted. The
turbine/propeller of the machine rotates at an average speed of
247.5 rpm because of the velocity and force of discharged water
passing through its fins and directly passing into the drop tube
which is also attached at the bottom part of the water channel.
The discharged water from the LH-PHEGS then goes into the
main canal to be utilized for cascading application and for the
irrigation needs of the farmers.
The equipment produces a regulated 220 volts output
(±0.5 potential tolerance) of alternating current and at least 500
watts of electric power. It was used as an alternative source of
energy to light up lightings fixtures and supply electrical power
for small appliances loads and cell phone charging system.
Adriano B. Singian- Performance Evaluation of the Low Head Type Pico –
Hydro Electric Generating System (LH-PHEGS)
EUROPEAN ACADEMIC RESEARCH - Vol. III, Issue 1 / April 2015
903
Objectives of the Study
The general objective of this study is to test and evaluate the
performance of the modified type of Low Head type Pico- Hydro
Electric Generator system in terms of functionality, usability
and reliability. Specifically, the study aimed to test and find
solutions to the problems: a) efficiency of the electrical power
output (quality audit); b), the physical performance of the
project; c, noise and vibration condition and d), realize the socio-
economic benefits it can create.
Framework
The conceptual model provides the general structure and guide
in the development of the study as presented in Figure 2.
Figure 2 Conceptual Framework
The study analyzed the improved LH-PHEGS device in terms of
its system operation and performance. The evaluation results
served as inputs of the study. The researcher has conducted
random interview and observation on some respondents
regarding the LH-PHEGS device which served as basis for
needs assessment. The results of the tests and evaluation were
tabulated and meticulously analyzed which showed that the
LH-PHEGS is efficient and reliable in terms of its performance
and operation.
Adriano B. Singian- Performance Evaluation of the Low Head Type Pico –
Hydro Electric Generating System (LH-PHEGS)
EUROPEAN ACADEMIC RESEARCH - Vol. III, Issue 1 / April 2015
904
Materials and Methods
According to Michael Q. Patton (1990), when one examines and
judges accomplishments and effectiveness through careful data
collection and thoughtful analysis, one is engaged in evaluation
research. The emphasis throughout is on gathering information
and generating findings that are useful in evaluating the LH-
PHEGS efficiency, while the interviewing, observation, and
analysis methods presented in this study are relevant to
qualitative purposes. The researcher observed and collected
data regarding the installed modified Low Head type Pico
Hydro Electric Generating System (LH-PHEGS) used to
address the needs of electrical power of the evacuees inside the
Arayat National Park in Pampanga, Philippines. First hand
data and other significant information were obtained from
personnel of the Municipal Social Welfare and Development
(MSWD), personnel attending the evacuees, Park Protection
and Management Office (PPMO), Provincial Environment and
Natural Resources Office (PENRO) and the evacuees to
formulate rational and sound basis for the study.
The researcher referred to the book of hydrological
standards and other reading references regarding the
guidelines required in the system installation of pico hydro-
electric generators. Internet and library research were also
done along with other data-gathering methods.
The study was conducted with several homogeneous
groups of individuals, who served as the primary respondents
such as personnel’s from different concern government offices
and the evacuees (victims of typhoon Ondoy) where electricity
plays an important role in the course of their daily needs and
operations.
In administering the study, the researchers explained
the objectives of the activity before conducting the actual
interview of the respondents. Initially, the researcher explained
and demonstrated the proper way on how to use and control the
Adriano B. Singian- Performance Evaluation of the Low Head Type Pico –
Hydro Electric Generating System (LH-PHEGS)
EUROPEAN ACADEMIC RESEARCH - Vol. III, Issue 1 / April 2015
905
electric power produced by the LH-PHEGS while the
respondents are observing. Thereafter, the respondents did the
same procedures as how it was demonstrated.
The LH-PHEG System was installed, utilized and tested
based on the standard specification as shown in Table 1.
Table 1. LH-PHEG-500 specifications
Three major test categories were conducted in presenting the
technical and performance evaluation of the device such as (1)
water volume, velocity and displacement test, (2) equipment
performance and stability (EPS) test and (3) the on-grid and off-
grid power quality audit or (PQA) of the entire power and
performance system. Basic electrical hand tools and testing
instruments were employed in the electrical circuit installation
in testing and determining intrinsic safety performance and
efficiency of the modified LH-PHEG system and connected
loads.
Water Volume, Velocity and Displacement Test
The 200 cu.m volume of water was computed based on the
internal dimensions of the concrete main water reservoir
located at the downhill of Mount Arayat at San Juan Baño,
Arayat, Pampanga. Water volume displacement was computed
in terms of the incoming water volume from the two main water
springs and the discharge of water coming out from the two
spill-over outlets of the main reservoir as shown in Figure 3.
Description Specification
Generator Rated Power 500 watts
Generator output Voltage 220 Volts AC
Phase Single-Phase
Cycle 60 Hertz
Alternator Make Coils and Magnets
Water Head Application 1.5 meters
Minimum Water Flow Requirement 70 liters / second
Net Weight 50 kilograms
Adriano B. Singian- Performance Evaluation of the Low Head Type Pico –
Hydro Electric Generating System (LH-PHEGS)
EUROPEAN ACADEMIC RESEARCH - Vol. III, Issue 1 / April 2015
906
Figure 3. The main concrete water reservoir of Arayat National Park.
The water velocity (Wv) from the main stream (as shown in
Figure 4) was also computed using the volume of the discharge
water (Q) divided by the area of the water stream/channel (Ac).
Wv = Q/Ac
Figure 4. The main water stream coming from the main water
reservoir
Power and Quality Test
The output power (Po Gen) of the generator was determined
and computed from the relationship between the water flow
rate (Q) and the speed of rotation of the machine (Ms) using the
formula: Po Gen = QMs. This means the generator power
increases with the increasing rotation of the alternator’s rotor
through the volume of incoming and discharging of water
passing through the turbine. In any AC circuit, power is again a
function of current and voltage. But it is also a function of
phase angle between the current and voltage wave forms. In
the AC test circuit containing only resistive loads (lighting
fixtures) we have current and voltage waveform that is in phase
Adriano B. Singian- Performance Evaluation of the Low Head Type Pico –
Hydro Electric Generating System (LH-PHEGS)
EUROPEAN ACADEMIC RESEARCH - Vol. III, Issue 1 / April 2015
907
with each other. In other words, the phase angle is zero as
shown in Figure 5.
Figure 5. The sinusoidal waveform from the oscilloscope showing
voltage and current are in phase and cross the neutral horizontal
line (abscissa) concurrently.
The Power Factor Test
Power Factor (Pf) was also computed to measure how effective
the AC system operates. Power factor can be express in two
ways; PF = actual power (kW) / apparent power (kVA) or W = V
x PF where we used a wattmeter to measure the watts and the
ammeter and voltmeter to measure the volt amperes as cosine
ϕ. Using inductive loads (electric fans) as test models, the
sinusoidal waveform on Figure 6 shows that the current crosses
the abscissa after the voltage that cause phase displacement.
This displacement relates to the power factor.
Figure 6 The sinusoidal waveform showing the relationship between
voltage and current using the inductive type of test load
Adriano B. Singian- Performance Evaluation of the Low Head Type Pico –
Hydro Electric Generating System (LH-PHEGS)
EUROPEAN ACADEMIC RESEARCH - Vol. III, Issue 1 / April 2015
908
The Energy Loss Test
The product of instantaneous current (i) and instantaneous
voltage (e) gives an instant power result. When both “e” and “i”
are in the negative part of the abscissa their product (power) is
positive. See Figure 7. The system is expending power
throughout the cycle and delivering it to the connected loads.
Also, for any period of time we applied the power into the loads,
there is an expenditure of energy (energy loss) equal to power
loss times the time involved. Both of these losses (power and
energy) are inherent in the LH-PHEG power system.
Figure 7. The sinusoidal waveform showing the graph patterns of
instantaneous voltage (e) and instantaneous current (i) in relation
with their instant power product.
The Phase and Power Draw Back Test
The monitor of the oscilloscope (see Figure 8) shows that there
are some regularly occurring periods when the voltage is
positive while the current is negative and vice versa. A positive
value times a negative value results in a negative value. The
multiplying voltage time’s current during this time gives us
negative value for power (apparent power or VA). In other
words the Pico-hydro system is delivering power back to the
source during these testing periods.
Adriano B. Singian- Performance Evaluation of the Low Head Type Pico –
Hydro Electric Generating System (LH-PHEGS)
EUROPEAN ACADEMIC RESEARCH - Vol. III, Issue 1 / April 2015
909
Figure 8. The graph patterns between the relationships of phase
value of voltage, current and output power.
Pico-Hydro Electric Generator Physical Performance
Tests
Hydro Generator Vibration Test
Under average water volume and flow rate of 74.52 liters
/second during daytime of operations, the vibration test was
conducted on the LH-PHEG’s alternator assembly. The graph of
the accelerometer tester shows that the velocity and frequency
vibration spectrum along with other harmonics of sub
components such as bearing stability in the main shafting,
alignment and clearances are stable as shown Figure 9.
Figure 9. The amplitude at rotational frequency at water average
volume as an indicator of balanced alternator’s rotation
Water Channel Vibration Test
Using the same water flow rate and time as basis for testing,
the water channel generates a multiple vibrations along with
Adriano B. Singian- Performance Evaluation of the Low Head Type Pico –
Hydro Electric Generating System (LH-PHEGS)
EUROPEAN ACADEMIC RESEARCH - Vol. III, Issue 1 / April 2015
910
the force and volume of the incoming water from the main
stream and the velocity of discharged water from the drop tube.
The graph displayed on the monitor of the tester shows that a
group of enclosed band-pass changes on different intensity of
graduation spectrum as shown in Figure 10.
Figure 10. The graph on the monitor of the tester showing the group
of frequency bands that indicates changes on the vibration spectrum
of the water channel.
The Vibration Test of the entire LH-PHEG’s System during night time.
Using the average water volume and flow rate of 82.28 liters
/second as basis during night time (till dawn) of operation, a
vibration test was conducted on the entire LH-PHEG’s
assembly. The displayed graphical format on the monitor of the
vibration meter tester (PCE-VT 204) on Figure 11 shows that
the volume and velocity of the incoming water from the main
stream is the primary factor causing the frequency of
vibrations. Aside from this, the interaction of equipment’s sub-
components such as the machine’s water channel, shafting and
bearings and the attached draft tube assembly further
contributes to the vibration.
The machines dynamic-vibration ranged from one
component rotating shaft to a complex spectrum with numerous
frequencies which further contributes on the frequent signal
trending of the entire system.
Adriano B. Singian- Performance Evaluation of the Low Head Type Pico –
Hydro Electric Generating System (LH-PHEGS)
EUROPEAN ACADEMIC RESEARCH - Vol. III, Issue 1 / April 2015
911
Figure 11. The graphical patterns of vibration frequencies
oscillations as shown on the monitor of the PCE-VT 204 vibration
tester
Results and Discussion
Table 5. Results of the evaluation, analysis and observation on the
functions of the LH-PHEGS
After the test and evaluation on off grid no-load to full-load
capacity especially in the peak of summer season, the modified
Low-Head type Pico Hydro Electric Generating System
INDICATORS LH-PHEGS
Functionality The low head type pico hydro-electric generating system is an
ecological friendly portable hydro-generator being run by the
average rapid velocity and force of discharge water that produced
at least 500 watts of electrical output power. It produces a
regulated single phase 220 volts output (±0.5 potential tolerance),
60 hertz of alternating current.
Usability It can be simultaneously used as an alternative source of electrical
energy to light up lightings fixtures and supply electrical power for
small appliances loads system of not exceeding 80% of its capacity
rating. The user may support the unit with power back-up system
that can also be used during night time loading. The LH-PHEGS
can be used in a cascaded method
Reliability Aside from its reliable feature of fast and easy deployment, the unit
possess simple operation and promotes complete supply of
regulated of electrical energy required for small wattage rating
requirement and processes. User operator manual is provided to
guide and ensure the user of reliable operation of the system to
continuously supply (24/7) needed electrical power source.
Performance The operation of the entire system is based on the power
requirement of the user. The end-user may choose to operate the
system either by continuous or by periodic duty mode due to its
modular circuit controls. Piloting and alarm system are also
integrated into the system to give signal on the status of the device.
Adriano B. Singian- Performance Evaluation of the Low Head Type Pico –
Hydro Electric Generating System (LH-PHEGS)
EUROPEAN ACADEMIC RESEARCH - Vol. III, Issue 1 / April 2015
912
continuously performed efficiently and effectively. It was also
observed that in the late afternoon till dawn of the day, water
volume and velocity coming down from the main reservoir
increases to ±76 liters per second. The maximum water flow
rate of 46m³/hr. per cycle is what makes the equipment works
efficiently in terms of its current and power output. The
vibration level coming from the water channel of the LH-
PHEGS also increases due to the force of the incoming water
and rotation of the turbine. It was known during the testing
period that by fully extending the length of the improved drop
tube, the output voltage of the unit increases at about 228 volts
on its output terminals and drawn a maximum average power
output of 510.8 watts. Minimizing the travel distance of the
main transmission conductors from the LH-PHEGS gives better
results in the flow of current and voltage due to a lesser
potential drop in the system. As temperature rises in the coils
of the alternator, its resistance decreases that resulted in the
increase of current flow.
The LH-PHEGS can be operated under two duties:
continuous and periodic. In the continuous duty, the system
provides the user an un-interruptible supply of electric power
once the main controller was energized. Thereafter, the system
will automatically carry out the produced power into the sub-
feeder system up to the last connected load of the circuit. This
time, the LH-PHEGS will not be interrupting any current flow
from the grid because it will be working independently on its
connected loads. On the other hand, the periodic duty will
provides the user an interrupted supply of electric power from
the LH-PHEGS in a pre-determined time of operation. The end
user used the power coming from the grid so to meet the
minimum amount of bill requirement from the local electric
provider to sustain the installed kilo watthour meter.
Basically, this duty handles the same processes of
supplying electric power that need to be undertaken especially
during daytime except when power outages occurs. When the
Adriano B. Singian- Performance Evaluation of the Low Head Type Pico –
Hydro Electric Generating System (LH-PHEGS)
EUROPEAN ACADEMIC RESEARCH - Vol. III, Issue 1 / April 2015
913
periodic duty is interrupted, the operation of electric flow will
be cut off and the end user will energized the manual transfer
switch of the LH-PHEG system to utilize the stored electric
power of the system. Also, the user can monitor the level of LH-
PHEGS operation through the display panel and LED indicator
with a beeping sound if there is a circuit trouble occurring in
the system.
Furthermore, the test and evaluation results on the LH-
PHEG system performance show the detailed power output
during the peak of summer season, the test was conducted on
randomized design under normal and abrupt water flow
conditions. It was a combination test of water flow rate, rotor
speed and temperature factors as shown in Table 6. At daytime,
the average flow of water into the system is ±74 liters per
second and ±82 liters per second during nighttime (till dawn).
Table 6. The results of the machine’s physical performance test
The result of on-grid evaluation that covers the existing feeder
and branch line circuits, fixtures and system controllers of the
test model (Evacuees tents, MSWD Office and Park’s perimeter
lights) shows that the ampacity of circuit protection is too large
to blow-up in case of over-loading of circuit occurs and the size
Time of Testing
(Hours)
Water Flow
Rate
(liters./sec.)
Rotor
Speed
(rpm)
Environment
Temperature
( ⁰C)
LH-PHEG Output
Voltage (V)
Un-
Controlled
Controlled
(± .5V)
6:00 AM - 7:00 AM 79.6 – 76.2 257 - 251 29.2 – 30.8 221 - 218 220
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM 75.2 – 73.7 247 - 235 31.5 – 32.7 217 - 216 220
10:00 AM -11:00 AM 72.4 – 71.6 233 - 230 331 – 34.8 216 - 215 220
12:00 NN – 1:00 PM 72.1 – 73.9 231 - 235 35.1 – 36.4 216 - 216 220
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM 73.2 – 74.6 234 - 239 36.6 – 37.6 216 - 217 220
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM 75.5 – 76.2 242 - 245 37.5 – 36.4 217 - 217 220
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM 77.7 – 79.4 247 - 249 35.8 – 34.3 219 - 221 220
8:00 PM – 9:00 PM 78.9 - 81.7 249 - 254 33.5 – 32.4 221 - 222 220
10:00PM – 11:00PM 82.6 – 84.4 257 - 261 32.2 – 31.7 222 - 223 220
12:00 MN – 1:00
AM
85.4 - 84.8 265 - 263 30.9 – 29.4 224 - 223 220
2:00AM – 3:00 AM 84.7 - 83.9 263 - 261 28.8 – 27.4 223 - 221 220
4:00 AM - 5:00 AM 83.0 – 80.8 261 - 258 27.7 – 28.9 223 - 221 220
Adriano B. Singian- Performance Evaluation of the Low Head Type Pico –
Hydro Electric Generating System (LH-PHEGS)
EUROPEAN ACADEMIC RESEARCH - Vol. III, Issue 1 / April 2015
914
of the feeder wire used is small to efficiently carrying out the
installed loads as shown in Table 7.
Table 7. The On-Grid connected data from the existing electrical
circuits fixtures used as testing models.
After conducting all on-grid system tests and gathering all the
necessary information and data, all electrical circuits and
system to be used in performing the Off-Grid full-loading
system were installed. All the vital contributing factors and
related activities were taken before and during the conduct of
testing and evaluations using the modified LH-PHEG System.
The test and evaluation on the different parameters were based
on the ambient temperature of 31⁰ C, the two pertinent
variables, the equipment performances obtain in terms of mean
optimum capacity and mean maximum power efficiency were
obtained. As shown on Table 8, the researcher installed a lower
ampacity of circuit protection device and changes the feeder
wire into a larger diameter size that can efficiently hold the
load capacity of the circuit.
Load
Description
Total
Conn.
Loads
Total
Watts
Source
Voltage
Load
Current
Ckt.
Protection
Size of
Wire
Circuit
Resistance
Compact
Lamps, 15w
18 270w. 220 v. 1.23 A. CB- 10A. 2.0mm² 178.86 Ω
Computer set
with printer
1 80 w. -do- .36 A. -do- -do- 611.11 Ω
Electric Fans 2 70 w. -do- .32 A. -do- -do- 687.5 Ω
Cell-phones
.08A
2 2.4 w. -do- .011 A. -do- -do- 20 k Ω
Total 23 422.4 220v 1.921 A. CB- 20A. 3.5mm² 21.477 k Ω
Load
Description
Total
Conn.
Loads
Total
Watts
Source
Voltage
Load
Current
Circuit
Protection
Size of
Wire
Circuit
Resistance
CFL, 15w 18 270 w. 200v-212v. 1.31 A. Fuse- 30A. 1.6mm² 157.25 Ω
Computer set
with printer
1 80 w. -do- .39 A. -do- -do- 528.20 Ω
Electric Fans 2 70 w. -do- .34 A. -do- -do- 605.88 Ω
Cell-phones
.08A
2 2.4 w. -do- .012 A. -do- -do- 17.2 k Ω
Total 23 422.4 206 v.(Ave.) 2.05A Fuse- 30A. 2.0mm² 18.491k Ω
Adriano B. Singian- Performance Evaluation of the Low Head Type Pico –
Hydro Electric Generating System (LH-PHEGS)
EUROPEAN ACADEMIC RESEARCH - Vol. III, Issue 1 / April 2015
915
Table 8. Data gathered during the full-load test of the Off-Grid
connected data from the existing electrical circuit fixtures as testing
models using the LH-PHEG System.
Comparative Financial Aspects and other related ratios.
Based on the electrical bill with a cut-off date of May 28 - June
27, 2010 and bearing the Statement of Account No.3810455
from MSWD Office, a table of load analysis was established as
shown on Table 9. Reflected are the description and other
related information of the existing loads which are normally
connected into the commercial/normal power lines of the
Pampanga I Electric Cooperative Inc.(PELCO-I) without any
intervention of the LH-PHEG System.
Table 9. The billed electrical loads and computations (May – June
2010) for MSWD which utilized the commercial power supplied by
PELCO I.
Using the same MSWD office as the test model for the LH-
PHEG System utilization, some changes and improvements
were done on the existing fixtures and wiring installation.
Selected electrical loads and circuits of the test model were
transferred and connected to the LH-PHEG System for one
month. Other electrical loads and circuits remained connected
into the local power distributor source and both were utilized by
the end-users. After one month, the total amount saved by the
Government was seven hundred eighty one 78/100 pesos as
shown in Table 10.
Load and
Description
Total
Conn.
Loads
Total
Watts
Total No. of
Hours Used
Per day
Total Kw./hr.
Consumed (per
day)
No. of
days
Utilized
Total Kw.
used per
Month
Amount of
Power
Consumed
Fluorescent
Lamps, 20w
6
120 w.
7 hrs./day
.840 Kw
30 days.
25.2 Kw.
₱170.30
Television set 1 75 w. ±11 hrs./day .803 Kw. -do- 24.09 Kw. ₱167.25
Electric Fans 2 150 w. ±20 hrs./day 3.0 Kw. -do- 90.00 Kw. ₱607.22
Refrigerator 1 120 w. 24 hrs./day 2.88 Kw. -do- 86.40 Kw. ₱580.49
Total 10 463 w. -------------- 7.376 Kw. 30 Days 221.27 ₱1,525.26
Adriano B. Singian- Performance Evaluation of the Low Head Type Pico –
Hydro Electric Generating System (LH-PHEGS)
EUROPEAN ACADEMIC RESEARCH - Vol. III, Issue 1 / April 2015
916
Load and
Description
Total
Conn.
Loads
Total
Watts
Total No.
of Hours
Used
Per day
Total
Kw./hr.
Consumed
(per day)
No. of
days
Utilized
Total
Kw.
used per
Month
Amount of
Power
Consumed
CFL @ 15 w.
ea.
6
90 w.
±7 hrs./day.
.630 Kw
30 days.
20.01
Kw.
₱127.76
Electric Fans
(MSWD
Office)
2
150
w.
±20
hrs./day
4.0 Kw.
-do-
90 Kw.
₱605.36
Charging
Outlet
2 5 w. ±18hrs./day .024 Kw. -do- 17.2 Kw. ₱48.66
Total ----------- 8 240w. -------------- 3.630Kw. 30 Days 108.90 ₱ 781.78
Table 10. Some electrical loads of MSWD office that were directly
connected into the LH-PHEG system for 30 days and saved seven
hundred eighty one 78/100 pesos.
Total Amount Saved = Total Bill Amount – Current Bill
Amount
Total Amount Saved = PhP. 1,525.26 – PhP. 743.48 (as shown
on Accounts No. 3848616)
Total Amount Saved = PhP. 781.78
Loads that were connected to the local power
distributor
Load and
Description
Total
Conn.
Loads
Total
Watts
Total No.
of Hours
Used
Per day
Total
Kw./hr.
Consumed
(per day)
No. of
days
Utilized
Total Kw.
used per
Month
Amount of
Power
Consumed
Television set 1 73 w. ±11
hrs./day
.803 Kw. -do- 24.00 Kw. ₱162.19
Refrigerator 1 120 w. 24 hrs./day 2.87 Kw. -do- 86.00 Kw. ₱581.29
Total -------- 2 193 w. ------- 3.673 Kw. 30 Days 110.00 Kw. ₱ 743.48
Table 11. The list of electrical loads which were remained connected
on the commercial power lines of local power distributor and billed
for the months of June-July 2010.
Adriano B. Singian- Performance Evaluation of the Low Head Type Pico –
Hydro Electric Generating System (LH-PHEGS)
EUROPEAN ACADEMIC RESEARCH - Vol. III, Issue 1 / April 2015
917
Figure 14. The copy of the electrical bill for the month of June 28-
July 27, 2010
On the financial evaluation side, if the ± 80 % of the power
output coming from the modified LH-PHEG System will only be
utilized for one (1) straight year for the abovementioned
applications, the government can save eleven thousand nine
hundred ninety four 12/100 pesos (₱11,994.12) on its electrical
bill per year as shown on Table 12.
Adriano B. Singian- Performance Evaluation of the Low Head Type Pico –
Hydro Electric Generating System (LH-PHEGS)
EUROPEAN ACADEMIC RESEARCH - Vol. III, Issue 1 / April 2015
918
Load and
Description
Total
Conn.
Loads
Total
Watts
Total
No. of
Hours
Used
Per day
Total
Kw./hr.
Consumed
(per day)
No. of
days
Utilized
Total
Kw.
used per
Month
Cost of
Power
Consumed
per Month
Cost of
Power
Consumed
per Year
CFL @ 15 w.
ea. (Tents
and Park
lights)
16
240 w.
±8
hrs./day.
1.92 Kw
30 days.
57.6Kw.
₱389.26
₱4,671.12
Computer
with printer
@ 75 w. ea.
(MSWD
Office)
1
70 w.
±20
hrs./day
3.0 Kw.
-do-
90 Kw.
₱608.22
₱7,298.64
Cell-phone
Charging
2
5 w.
±2
hrs./day
.01 Kw.
-do-
.30 Kw.
₱ 2.03
₱ 24.36
Total -----
19
395w.
-------
4.93 Kw.
30 days
147.9kw
₱ 999.51
₱ 11,994.12
Table 12. Computed yearly savings of the Government on the
electrical bill using the modified LH-PHEG system.
NOTE:
Data used for the above computation were as follows:
Source of the cost data: Pampanga I Electric Cooperative Inc.
1. Utilized alternator power output was only 80% of the 500 watts
full capacity.
2. Voltage drop tolerance was ± 0.5 volts for every 15 meters
distance of feeder wire.
3. The present base amount of ₱ 6.758 per kilowatt hour was used
in the cost computations.
4. 30 days per month of continuous operation was the basis for
one year period computation.
Socio-economic impact of the project
Aside from harnessing energy potentials of our available un-
utilized or underutilized water streams and other water
resources of the province in generating electric power, some of
residents will be hire in the construction, operation and
maintenance process of the project that will add social
responsibilities and economic benefits for them. Great chances
are evitable that there will be additional development that can
be imparted through this technology aside from providing
alternative energy for effective livelihood activities. The project
further created a sense of involvement and advocacy on
Adriano B. Singian- Performance Evaluation of the Low Head Type Pico –
Hydro Electric Generating System (LH-PHEGS)
EUROPEAN ACADEMIC RESEARCH - Vol. III, Issue 1 / April 2015
919
environmental stewardship and awareness among the residents
especially the marginalized people of the community in
particular.
Limitation of the Study
The LH-PHEGS is used to harness the potential hydro energy
and applicable to small load / power utilization whose current
rating is within the average capacity of the machine’s power
output (e.g. 425 watts max. or 85% of the total rated power),
220 volts, 60 Hz., single phase (1ϕ) two wire system. The study
focused on testing, evaluation and functions of the LH-PHEGS.
The methods were primarily directed on evaluating the
operations and performance of the devices and contribute in the
efficient supply of electrical power. The evaluation was based
on the researcher’s point of view as guided by the existing data
stipulated on the manual of standard.
Summary and Conclusion
The overall results showed that proper utilization and
management of the hydro resources can be used to produce
electrical energy for the up-land residents using the modified
Low-Head type Pico Hydro System. This system offered
tremendous benefits in terms of environmental stewardship,
community involvement, power utilization, convenience and
economic gains to the other marginalized people of our country
with similar hydro resources. Another important finding in this
system/facility is it enhances the volume and flow-rate of water
flow coming from the main water stream due to efficient and
effective diversion and containment of water coming from small
water tributaries where it often flows even on un-wanted area
or places. The system use the drawn water from the main
stream outlet for cascading method before it goes into the farms
for irrigation purposes. It was also found out that there is at
Adriano B. Singian- Performance Evaluation of the Low Head Type Pico –
Hydro Electric Generating System (LH-PHEGS)
EUROPEAN ACADEMIC RESEARCH - Vol. III, Issue 1 / April 2015
920
least 51.26% decrease on amount of beneficiary’s regular
monthly electrical bill. Aside the monetary savings and
system’s efficiency, the test and evaluation process guarantees
its effectiveness due to continuous supply of electrical power
(24/7) even at the peak of summer season. On the financial
aspect, not only that it is positive to invest in this particular
LH-PHEG System but also a higher internal rate of return is
expected in this technology. With the utilization of the
generated energy from the improved Pico-hydro system in the
area, there was a great acceptance and appreciation to the
technology.
Recommendation
The organizational programs must be established based on the
needs assessment that will be done in this project program.
With the active participation of non-government sectors or
private individuals, the same corporate or single proprietorship
form of organization can be adopted where the equipment and
its facility will be considered as their investments.
However, the Government must intervene and support
the project, a more comprehensive organization must be
suggested for the project facility program where minimum fee
shall be collected for battery charging and the amount shall be
prorated with its size and type and other similar facility
utilization for the maintenance of the LH-PHEG system.
Acknowledgement
This study has been made possible through the support of the
Don Honorio Ventura Technological State University, Bacolor,
Pampanga. Renewable Energy Association of the Philippines
(REAP), Department of Environment and Natural Resources
(DENR-R-III), Provincial Environment and Natural Resources
Office (PENRO), Municipal Social Welfare and Development
Adriano B. Singian- Performance Evaluation of the Low Head Type Pico –
Hydro Electric Generating System (LH-PHEGS)
EUROPEAN ACADEMIC RESEARCH - Vol. III, Issue 1 / April 2015
921
Office (MSWDO), Community Environment and Natural
Resources Office (CENRO) Park Protection Management Board
(PPAMB) and 703 Infantry Brigade of the Armed Forces of the
Philippines.
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Gapgo Energy Development. 2009.
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Motor Maintenance Handbook, Joseph R. Kinsley, 5th Edition,
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The solution lies in creating new breakthrough energy concepts,
equipment and advance technology applications using our
abundant renewable resources.